New York, NY — May 22, 2025
A coalition of military veterans, religious leaders, and humanitarian organizations has initiated a 40-day “Veterans & Allies Fast for Gaza” to protest the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to demand a halt to U.S. weapons shipments to Israel. The fast commenced today with a news conference at the “Isaiah Wall” near the United Nations headquarters in New York City, followed by the commencement of the fast at the U.S. Mission to the UN.
Demands of the Fast
The participants have outlined two primary demands:
- Immediate and unrestricted humanitarian aid to Gaza under UN authority.
- A cessation of U.S. weapons shipments to Israel.
A representative group of individuals will fast from May 22 to June 30 in New York, with many others participating across the U.S. and internationally for as many days as they can. To date, 249 individuals have registered for the fast, organized by Veterans For Peace in collaboration with 28 co-sponsoring organizations. Friends of Sabeel North America is maintaining the list of fasters.
Conditions in Gaza
Participants in the New York fast are limited to a daily intake of 250 calories, reflecting the average daily caloric intake reported in Gaza. UN Humanitarian Chief Tom Fletcher recently stated that 14,000 babies could die in Gaza within the next 48 hours due to the ongoing blockade and lack of essential supplies. (Council of Europe Assembly)
Statements from Participants
Phil Tottenham, a Marine Corps veteran and member of Veterans For Peace, expressed his disillusionment with the U.S.-Israeli narrative, stating, “I used to believe the U.S.-Israeli narrative my entire life until I began researching during the 2014 Gaza ‘War’ and saw the cruelty inflicted on innocent civilians.”
Joy Metzler, a member of Veterans For Peace and a conscientious objector, emphasized the contradiction between her military training and the actions of the U.S. government, saying, “I was trained to uphold the values of justice, and that is why I am speaking out and condemning our government’s complicity in the ethnic cleansing of Palestine.”
Rev. Addie Domske, National Field Organizer for Friends of Sabeel North America, highlighted the maternal responsibility to act against injustice, stating, “As a mother, I am responsible for feeding my child. I also believe, as a mother, I must be responsive when other children are starving.”
Mike Ferner, former National Director of Veterans For Peace, drew parallels between current events and past conflicts, saying, “Watching hundreds of people maimed, burned, and killed every day just tears at my insides – too much like when I nursed hundreds of wounded from our war in Viet Nam.”
Kathy Kelly, board president of World BEYOND War, referenced Nobel laureate Mairead Maguire’s recent 40-day fast in solidarity with the people of Gaza, stating, “We must follow Mairead’s lead, hungering acutely for an end to all weapon shipments to Israel.”
Call to Action
The organizers of the fast are calling on individuals worldwide to join in solidarity, whether by participating in the fast, organizing local vigils, or raising awareness through social media and community outreach. The campaign aims to amplify the voices of those suffering in Gaza and to hold governments accountable for their roles in the ongoing crisis.
For more information or to join the fast, visit Veterans For Peace or Friends of Sabeel North America.
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